AZ Plumber key terms

A credential issued by the state or local authority that allows a person to perform plumbing work independently under a master plumber's supervision or as the law permits.

The highest plumbing credential, authorizing the holder to contract for plumbing work, obtain permits, and supervise journeyman plumbers and apprentices.

An official written approval from the authority having jurisdiction that authorizes specific plumbing work to begin after plans have been reviewed and fees paid.

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing code requirements, approving materials, and granting permits and inspections.

A required inspection performed after piping, fittings, and vents are installed but before fixtures or walls close them in, verifying code compliance.

The closing inspection that confirms all fixtures, water heaters, and appliances operate correctly and the completed work matches the approved permit.

A document issued after successful final inspections that certifies a building is legally ready for its intended use.

The appointed person who interprets the plumbing code, reviews plans, issues permits, and conducts inspections for the jurisdiction.

Water that is safe for human consumption and meets health standards for taste, odor, and contaminant limits.

The pipe that carries potable water from the public main or private well to the building's water meter or first shutoff valve.

A device that measures the volume of water delivered to a building and often includes a check valve to prevent reversal of flow.

A device installed on the water supply when street pressure is too high, lowering it to a safe level for fixtures and piping.

A capped air chamber or mechanical device that absorbs the shock wave created when a valve closes quickly in a water line.

A vertical pipe section containing trapped air that cushions pressure surges and reduces banging noise in the water distribution system.

The combined drainage, waste, and vent piping that carries sewage and gray water away while admitting air to protect trap seals.

The vertical drainage pipe that carries toilet and sewage waste from fixtures down to the building drain.

A vertical vent pipe that extends through the roof to provide air to the drainage system and release sewer gases outdoors.

The open end of a vent pipe above the roof that admits air and discharges gases at a required height and distance from openings.

A one-way mechanical valve that opens to admit air into a drain and closes to prevent sewer gas from escaping into the building.

The lowest horizontal pipe of the drainage system that receives soil and waste from stacks and conveys it to the building sewer.

The pipe that extends from the building drain outside the foundation to the public sewer or private disposal system.

An accessible fitting with a removable plug or cover that allows a drain snake or auger to clear a blockage in the piping.

The sloped pipe segment between a fixture trap and the drain or branch that it discharges into.

A U-shaped fitting that holds a water seal to block sewer gas from entering a room through a fixture drain.

The depth of water held in a fixture trap, measured from the crown weir to the dip, that prevents sewer gas from passing.

The point on the outlet side of a trap where water begins to spill over and the highest point of the trap seal.

A trap shaped like the letter S that is prohibited in most codes because it can siphon its own seal and gurgle.

A trap with a horizontal outlet that is the standard approved design for most fixtures because it resists siphoning.

Any actual or potential link between the potable water supply and a source of contamination or pollution.

A device or assembly that stops contaminated water from reversing direction and entering the potable water supply.

The unobstructed vertical distance between a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of the receiving fixture, the best backflow protection.

A device that admits air into a pipe when pressure drops, breaking a siphon and preventing backflow at a hose connection.

A tank that slows kitchen wastewater so fats, oils, and grease float and are trapped before the effluent enters the sewer.

A safety device that opens to release pressure or high-temperature water before a tank or piping system fails.

The increase in water volume as it heats, which raises pressure in a closed system and can damage pipes or fixtures.

A tank containing a compressible air charge that absorbs the extra volume created by thermal expansion in a closed water system.

A manual valve installed in the fuel gas piping near an appliance so the gas supply can be isolated for service or emergencies.

A sediment trap consisting of a capped vertical pipe below a gas appliance control that collects dirt and moisture before gas enters the burner.

A required test in which the completed gas piping is filled with air or inert gas and monitored to prove it holds pressure without leaking.

A three-dimensional style drawing in which pipes are shown at fixed angles to represent length, direction, and fittings in one view.

A schematic drawing showing vertical stacks, fixture connections, and floor levels without true scale or horizontal layout.

A top-down scaled drawing showing the building layout, fixture locations, and pipe runs as seen from above.

The downward pitch of a horizontal drain pipe, usually expressed in inches per foot, that lets wastewater flow by gravity.

The total measured length of pipe along its centerline, including fittings and changes of direction, used for takeoffs and sizing.

A numerical value assigned to a fixture based on its probable flow rate and use, used to size drains and water supply piping.

A loading value that estimates the probable demand a fixture places on the water distribution system for pipe sizing.

The maximum distance between supports allowed by code for a given pipe material and size to prevent sagging and stress.

A glued connection for plastic pipe made by applying cement that softens the surfaces and fuses pipe and fitting together.

A fitting with an insulating barrier that joins dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion at the connection.

A mass of concrete poured against a pipe fitting to resist the longitudinal force created by changing water direction or pressure.

The safety gear a plumber wears, such as gloves, eye protection, and respirators, to reduce injury and exposure on the job.

The controlled procedure for entering a pit, vault, or tank with limited egress, requiring testing, ventilation, and an attendant.

A safety practice that de-energizes equipment and applies locks and tags so it cannot be started during service work.